More than 3 billion people depend on marine and coastal biodiversity for sustenance and livelihoods,' he said in a message on World Wildlife Day, 3 March 2019.
'Marine and coastal resources and the industries they support are estimated to be worth at least US$3 trillion a year, some 5 per cent of global GDP,' the secretary general said.
Referring to sustainable management and protection of marine and coastal ecosystems as the objectives of Goal 14 of the Sustainable Development Goals, he added, 'Today, ocean life is under severe pressure, ranging from climate change to pollution, the loss of coastal habitats and the overexploitation of marine species.'
About one-third of commercial fish stocks are overfished, and many other species are endangered by the unsustainable use of ocean resources.
'On this World Wildlife Day, let us raise awareness about the extraordinary diversity of marine life and the crucial importance of marine species to sustainable development. That way, we can continue to provide these services for future generations,' he ended his message.